Entering her second finals series in 2024, Illawarra Steelers lock Sienna Yeo hopes to replicate the success she and her Tarsha Gale Cup teammates achieved earlier in the year, this time in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
The 19-year-old has been a constant for Jamie Szczerbanik’s side since Round 2 and is confident the Steelers can bring more silverware home to the South Coast.
But first, they must overcome defending premiers Mounties in a sudden-death semifinal this Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
The starting 13 includes Yeo’s fellow U19 premiership winners Indie Bostock, Herewaka Pohatu, and Bronte Wilson, with her sister Rhian and Mia-Rose Walsh on the extended bench.
“Seeing our team and how we play together, I feel like there is no reason why we can’t go the whole way and win it,” Yeo said.
Read More >> Steelers v Mounties Team List
Growing Pains
After a convincing 40-6 derby victory over St George at the weekend, Yeo says her side’s impressive weekly performances are a testament to their growth over the course of the season.
“I think just every game we are getting better and better; it’s kind of crazy how much we are improving each week.
“As a team, but like individually as well, that’s awesome to see, especially when the score reflects your hard work, like on the weekend”.
Admitting they are a youthful team, Yeo is banking on their recent finals experience to pay dividends as they enter this crucial stage of the season.
“We worked out the average age of our side is about 19.5 years old, which is insane when you think about how far we’ve come.
“With girls coming through Tarsha Gale, and even Lisa Fiaola (Under 17’s) like Tori (Shipton), she’s been playing against girls almost ten years older than her; it just shows the talent we have in our squad.”
[Watch] Illawarra Steelers HNWP Coach Jamie Szczerbanik on the 40-6 win over St George in the local derby, 17-year-old Kiara Kostovski scoring on debut and this week’s sudden-death semi final against Mounties.
No Second Chances
Although the Steelers finished the regular season one place ahead of their opponents, Yeo says they haven’t forgotten the 8-4 loss to Mounties in Round 1. Yeo missed that game through injury and is eager to get one back on the reigning premiers in a long-overdue rematch.
“They finished third, so it will be a tough game; we have identified some key areas of their game that we can try and push through.
“We should come away with the win; I believe if we just go into the game knowing we beat them, that will go a long way.”
Steelers Captain Lily Rogan likened Mounties form to that of her side, declaring both sides finals ready but is confident her outfit is up for the challenge.
“They’ve got a premiership to defend and won it from a similar spot as they’ve placed this year.
“I think they’ve had a better season than they might’ve had last year, so they’re going to be red hot, as will we.
“We just don’t want history to repeat itself.”
Saturday, 21 September, Leichhardt Oval, 4.45pm
- Illawarra Steelers v Mounties
Words: Joshua Houldin